DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Tanzanian government on Monday unveiled an initiative aimed at empowering small-scale gold miners to enhance their contribution to the country's mining sector and boost economic growth.
Speaking at a signing ceremony in Dar es Salaam, Tanzanian Minister of Minerals Anthony Mavunde said the program will establish a stronger regulatory framework and revive licensing in areas that have long remained inactive.
The event marked the launch of a special program for small-scale gold miners, established through a partnership between CRDB Bank and the Tanzania Mining Commission.
Mavunde emphasized that the mining sector is a vital contributor to employment and domestic revenue, noting that more than 18,000 people are currently employed in mining.
CRDB Bank Chief Executive Officer Abdulmajid Nsekela described the program as a sustainable and inclusive initiative designed to provide affordable loans under favorable terms.
He said the bank has already disbursed 189 billion Tanzanian shillings (about 74 million U.S. dollars) to the mining sector to enhance operations and productivity.
"The empowerment program aims to transform small-scale mining into a productive and value-adding activity that contributes meaningfully to national economic growth," Nsekela said. ■